Start at Silverball on Ocean Avenue. Its admission pass covers game play; choose a pass length that leaves time for a meal. Add a short boardwalk walk if the weather suits your group.

Explore Asbury Park →

Check before you go

Check today’s hours, pass options and parking. The operator lists paid street and lot parking; a winter visit does not make parking free.

Silverball admission and visitor information ↗

02 / Point Pleasant Beach

An aquarium day without the ride schedule

A family outing with an indoor anchor

Jenkinson’s Aquarium

Make the aquarium the reason for the drive. Jenkinson’s identifies its aquarium and South and Pavilion arcades as daily, year-round operations. Treat the amusement rides as a separate seasonal plan.

Explore Point Pleasant Beach →

Check before you go

Use the aquarium’s current admission calendar for your date. Confirm holiday hours, accessibility needs and any extras separately.

Jenkinson’s year-round operations FAQ ↗

Operator information reviewed October 27, 2026. These are planning suggestions; opening days and admission can change. How we check our guides.

A different coast each season

Choose when to go

Fall →

A dated outing, a fishing plan or a coastal walk with an indoor backup.

Winter →

Indoor outings and historic sites, with operator sources and opening-day checks.

Spring →

Plan around confirmed reopening dates and the current event calendar.

Summer →

Beach access, places to stay and the practical details of a beach week.

Already have a month in mind?

Start with the month’s planning guide. Confirm attraction hours and event dates for your actual visit.

Planning to fish? Start with the fishing calendar →

The Shore, all year

What kind of trip comes next?

01 · Pick your plan

Make a fall weekend of it

Start with a festival, a coastal walk, or the fall fishing run. Check opening hours before you set off.

Explore the guide →Browse fall events →

02 · Make it a stay

A base for your weekend

Compare rooms in Cape May for your dates. Check the full price and cancellation terms before booking.

Browse Cape May stays

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Browse all places to stay →

03 · Look ahead

Start next summer now

Shortlist towns, compare hotels and rentals, and save a checklist you can return to as new-season details arrive.

Build your summer shortlist →

Interactive Tool

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Where Do I Start?

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First-Time Visitors

Everything beginners need to know: beach badges, parking, best towns, and common mistakes.

Families with Kids

Best beaches by age, family-friendly attractions, where to stay, and rainy day activities.

Budget Travel Guide

Free beaches, parking tips, and insider tricks to enjoy the shore on any budget.

Couples Weekend

Romantic B&Bs, sunset sails, wine trails, and the most romantic beach towns.

Check event edition

Memorial Day in Atlantic City

Soar & Shore Festival, where to stay, casino shows, and how to make the most of Memorial Day weekend.

July 4

July 4th at the Shore

Fireworks by town, where to stay, parking, and how to beat the crowds across 28 shore towns.

Road Trip Itineraries

3-day, 5-day, and week-long road trip routes covering the best of the Jersey Shore.

Getting There

Driving directions, transit options, and travel tips from NYC, Philadelphia, and beyond.

Fly to the Shore

Compare Newark, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City airports for your Jersey Shore trip.

More Planning Guides

▼(15 guides)

Snowed In?

Turn your snow day into a summer shortlist. Compare dates, quotes and terms.

Girls Weekend

Boozy brunches, spa days, and the best towns for your squad.

Bachelorette Parties

Pool parties, nightlife, and venues for the bride-to-be.

Family with Teens

Boardwalks, arcades, surfing, and activities for teenagers.

Seniors Guide

Accessible beaches, quiet towns, and senior-friendly tips.

Solo Travel

Safe solo-friendly towns and tips for traveling alone.

Golf Getaways

Top courses and stay-and-play packages.

Rainy Day Activities

Indoor fun when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Off-Season Guide

The shore has charm year-round.

Cape May Wine Trail

Research wineries, breweries and distilleries, then confirm hours and transport.

Day Trip from NYC

Same-day Shore itineraries from Manhattan — train, bus, and driving routes.

Packing Guide

Complete checklist for your beach trip.

Beach Badges

Compare badge prices and find free beach options.

Complete Shore Guide

Everything you need to know about the shore.

Live at the Shore

Median home prices, market trends, and buyer guides for all 4 shore counties.

Choose your Shore stay

Before you book: the stay-cost checklist.

Compare two complete stay quotes →

Plan an off-season weekend →Save your summer checklist →

Before you go

What is the best time to visit the Jersey Shore?

Choose the season around what you want to do. Summer beach trips need current beach-access and lifeguard information. Fall, winter and spring visits need confirmed attraction and dining hours, a dated event or indoor backup, and complete stay quotes for your dates. A season alone does not guarantee a discount or quiet beach.

What should I pack for a Jersey Shore trip?

Start with layers, comfortable shoes, rain protection, water and sun protection. Add beach gear for a beach day and check local rules for tents, coolers and other equipment. The packing guide includes a fuller checklist.

How much does parking cost at the Jersey Shore?

Check the municipality or park for the exact lot, payment hours, rate, permit rules and time limit on your dates. Free beach admission does not mean free parking. Compare driving with transit, including the last return service and the distance from the station to your destination.

How can I plan around crowds?

Check the dated event calendar and build extra travel time into your plan. Compare weekdays and weekends for your actual dates. An early arrival can help with logistics, but parking and beach access are not guaranteed.

Is the Jersey Shore worth visiting in the off-season?

An off-season trip can focus on dining, history, nature walks or a scheduled event. Confirm each stop is open on your dates, keep an indoor backup, and compare the full cost of your stay. Use the off-season checklist before booking.

Do I need beach badges at the Jersey Shore?

Beach admission, age exemptions and collection hours depend on the town and date. Sandy Hook has no park entrance fee but charges seasonal beach parking. Check the current beach or park rules rather than assuming an early or late arrival is free. Swim only at guarded beaches when swimming is permitted.

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Thinking ahead? Build your summer shortlist →